Recognition and Prevention of Computed Radiography Image Artifacts

Abstract

Initiated by complaints of image artifacts, a thorough visual and radiographic investigation of 197 Fuji, 35 Agfa, and 37 Kodak computed radiography (CR) cassettes with imaging plates (IPs) in clinical use at four radiology departments was performed. The investigation revealed that the physical deterioration of the cassettes and IPs was more extensive than previously believed. It appeared that many of the image artifacts were the direct result of premature wear of the cassettes and imaging plates. The results indicate that a quality control program for CR cassettes and IPs is essential and should include not only cleaning of the cassettes and imaging plates on a regular basis, but also visual and radiographic image inspection to limit the occurrence of image artifacts and to prolong the life cycle of the CR equipment.

Future prospects for the radiology information system

“…When it comes to optimising productivity and quality in the radiology department, technologists have always been and continue to be an essential component. Despite evidence demonstrating the significance of ongoing quality analysis [44] and the publication of quality-control standards by the American Association of Physicists in Medicine [43,45] , the advent of digital radiography has been associated with a decline in quality control [43] . Informatics tools to aggregate, analyse, and present these data are scarce [46] , despite the fact that most modern imaging acquisition or transmission machines have tools to collect valuable quality metrics (such as exposure data, repeat examinations, fluoroscopy time, and sonographic, thermal, and mechanical indexes).…”

The Future of the Radiology Information System

“…Although the rise of digital radiology has improved workflow for technologists [41,42], it has also led to a trend in decreased quality control [43], despite research showing the importance of continued quality analysis [44] and the release of quality-control guidelines by the American Association of Physicists…”

Artifacts in Digital Radiography

“…With CR systems, repeated transport of imaging plates through the imaging plate reader makes them susceptible to physical damage. Inadequate maintenance and inappropriate handling may also be a cause of imaging plate damage 6 . Cracks in the imaging plate appear as white lines or dots that are usually located at the edge of the image 4,5,7,8 .…”